A mammoth weekend was had on the mighty Macintyre River, with the third annual OzFish Goondiwindi Classic taking place. There was a record-breaking 336 contestants, with almost one hundred juniors, which was great to see.
People travelled from near and far to participate and take their chances at landing the big one, with over 25% of entries travelling 100 kilometers plus to compete.
Over 900 Murray Cod and Golden Perch (that we’re aware of) were caught and released back into the river, over 200 of those by juniors and a whopping 577 carp were eradicated.
The lucky junior winners were Linden Shelley taking out Most Fish Caught, Zac Griffiths, landing the Biggest Fish and Nash Weir, taking home the Mystery Length prize.
Robby Hanna - Murray Cod
Will Postlewaight - Golden Perch
Nash Weir - Junior Winner
Nash Weir - Winning Fish
The Carp Cull was new to the event this year and widely appreciated, Jodi Lange landed the most with 85, and Sharon Rigney netted the biggest at 67cms.
The Golden Perch were far from elusive over the weekend, Will Postlewaight, Jack Gilbert and Lucas Lindenberg put in the hours to get the bragging rights in a close call, measuring 55cms, 54cms and 53.2cms with four other competitors missing out by millimetres.
It was great to see some beautiful Murray Cod about but Robby Hanna, James Robinson and Leon Polzin had the luck, with an 82cm, 80cm and 76cm.
The junior lure casting comp has always been a fan favourite and this year our three talented youngsters were Ricky Leo, Gus Troughton and Mitchell McInnes.
This year the entertainment was added to with an adult’s lure casting comp, which will definitely be back on the cards for next year. Robby Hanna, Will Leo and Gregor Andersen were the top three.
As always, these sorts of events are not possible without the support of the community; the committee greatly appreciate the forty amazing businesses who sponsored and donated and every single competitor who entered.
Planning has already commenced for 2024; mark the 7th-9th June in the calendar!
